OSHKOSH — The Women's Fund thrives on a great challenge. Such as, being a constant source of empowerment for every woman, making resources available for causes that interest them and always demonstrating the power of philanthropy.

This year, the J.J. Keller Foundation offered the Women's Fund another challenge—to raise $10,000 in new donations by May 14 to double its money. If the Women's Fund can expand its donor base to raise “new” funds that will help fuel its 2010 granting cycle, J.J. Keller will match every dollar raised, up to $10,000.

“The ‘twist' we put on this grant is that we will match only ‘new' money in the door,” said Mary Harp-Jirschele, executive director of the J.J. Keller Foundation. “That encourages new donors to step forward, and also encourages people who have given in the past to up their contribution.”

The J.J. Keller match is money that will be granted out in the 2010 cycle, so it will immediately impact women in the community.

“If you donate $10, you know your $10 is actually turning into $20,” said Karlene Grabner, development director at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. “Their investment is being doubled, so the impact is greater and greater immediately.”

The Women's Fund team will allocate funds in smaller or larger amounts to best service its three granting areas:

1) Health and well being for women of all ages

2) Economical self sufficiency

3) Safety from abuse and crime

Of 12 challenge grants J.J. Keller gave out in 2009, Harp-Jirschele said every organization met their goal. The Women's Fund team is confident it will, too.

For months the group has been strategizing creative ways to meet the challenge. A key opportunity will be at the 2010 Women's Fund Power of the Purse Luncheon, hosted at the EAA Eagle Hanger April 29 from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm, featuring guest speaker Erin Brockovich. The theme this year is fitting: “Use Your Voice, Inspire Change.” The luncheon draws a diverse crowd of more than 700. Attendees include women in their early 20s to 80s, and 10 percent are men.

The Women's Fund team has also been exploring social media opportunities and working with its volunteer base to get word out to friends and community members who have not yet donated to the Fund.

“I want people to come and see it for themselves, to come hear it for themselves,” Grabner says. “We are very successful in getting repeat donors and sponsors because once they hear about it, they're hooked.”

Since 1998, the Women's Fund has provided over $388,000 in grants to make resources available for causes of interest to women; foster among women a sense of empowerment and philanthropy; and increase awareness of women's issues. For more information, please call (920) 426-3993 or visit www.Women.OshkoshAreaCF.org.